PRE-ARRIVAL GUIDE FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

[Pages:14]PRE-ARRIVAL GUIDE FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

WELCOME TO EKU!

3

REVIEW & SIGN YOUR FORM I-20/DS-2019

3

PAY THE I-901 SEVIS FEE

3

APPLY FOR VISA

4

STUDENTS FROM VISA EXEMPT COUNTRIES

5

DEPENDENTS

5

VISA DELAY, DENIAL AND POSTPONEMENT OF STUDY

5

ACTIVATE YOUR EKUDIRECT & EKU EMAIL

5

ACTIVATE YOUR EKUDIRECT ACCOUNT

5

EKU EMAIL SET-UP

6

HOUSING ARRANGEMENT

6

CAMPUS HOUSING

6

RENTING APARTMENT OFF-CAMPUS

6

HOTELS NEAR EKU CAMPUS

7

PLACEMENT TESTING

7

REGISTER FOR CLASSES

8

WHAT TO BRING?

8

1. MONEY

8

2. ITEMS REPRESENTING YOUR COUNTRY AND CULTURE

8

ENTERING THE UNITED STATES

8

PREPARE FOR ARRIVAL

8

UPON ARRIVAL

8

SECONDARY INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS

9

AIRPORT PICK-UP

9

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ORIENTATION

9

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ORIENTATION DATES

10

IMMIGRATION CHECK-IN

10

CHECK-IN DOCUMENTS

10

OBTAIN YOUR COLONEL 1 CARD

11

BANKING IN THE UNITED STATES

11

HEALTH INSURANCE

12

TUITION & PAYMENT

12

CLIMATE AND CLOTHING

13

STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

14

CONTACT INFORMATION OF PDSO/RO

14

2

WELCOME TO EKU!

Dear International Student:

Greetings from the Office of International Students and Scholar Services at Eastern Kentucky University! We are excited that you have decided to join Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) and look forward to welcoming you to Richmond, Kentucky.

This booklet has been prepared to assist you with your visa application, planning and preparation for your trip to the United States and transition to Eastern Kentucky University. It is designed to answer many of the most frequently asked questions by international students. Please use this guide in addition with information provided in the "Admitted Students" section on Office of International Student and Scholar Services website.

Please read the information carefully and carry the

guide with you on your

. Upon your arrival

on campus, we will also conduct a comprehensive inter-

national student orientation that will provide you with

additional information and prepare you for a successful

stay at

Richmond, Kentucky.

If you have any question, please contact us by telephone at: +1-859-622-1478 or by email at: international@eku.edu.

We wish you a safe and happy journey and look forward to welcoming you to Eastern Kentucky University soon!

Sincerely,

International Students & Scholar Services Staff

REVIEW & SIGN YOUR FORM I-20/DS-2019

Enclosed is your Form I-20 or DS-2019, Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigrant (F-1 or J-1) Student Status. Please verify that the following information on your Form I-20 or DS-2019 is correct:

Name Date of birth Country of birth Country of citizenship If you find a mistake, notify the Office of International Student and Scholar Services immediately by email at international@eku.edu. We will correct the mistake and send you the corrected I-20 or DS2019 by express mail.

If the information is correct, read the information on page 3 of the I-20 or page 2 of the DS-2019 and then sign above your name next to the X sign at the bottom of page 1.

PAY THE I-901 SEVIS FEE

All students in F-1 or J-1 status with forms I-20 or DS-2019 are required to pay the I-901 SEVIS fee ($200 for F-1 students and $180 for J-1 exchange visitors) before their visa interview.

As soon as you receive your Form I-20 or DS-2019 from EKU pay the SEVIS fee and no later than three business days before your visa interview and obtain a receipt before your visa interview.

Dependents in F-2 or J-2 status and students transferring their SEVIS records from other U.S. institutions to EKU are exempt from paying the fee.

The fee can be paid online by credit card at . However, students with country of citizenship or country of birth of Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria or Gambia must pay by money order, Western Union Quick Pay or certified check drawn from a U.S. bank. Visit the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) link for instructions on how to complete the Western Union Quick Pay/ Quick Collect form.

3

APPLY FOR VISA

After paying your I-901 SEVIS fee, apply for your student visa as soon as possible. You may apply for an F-1 visa up to 120 days prior to the I-20 start date and you may apply for a J-1 visa at any time after receiving the DS-2019. If you received Form I-20, you will apply for an F-1 visa and if you received Form DS-2019 (exchange student) you will apply for a J-1 student visa.

Do not enter the United States on a visa other than F-1 or J-1 if your primary plan is to study at EKU. Individuals who enter the U.S. on a B-1/B-2 visa are NOT permitted to engage in study. They must apply for change of status inside the U.S. or leave the U.S. and apply for student visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country and return to study at EKU after obtaining the student visa.

To apply for a U.S. visa, you will need to take the following steps:

Step 1: Locate the Nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate in Your Country

You can find information about embassy and consulate including location, instructions and documents required to apply for a visa from .

Step 2: Schedule an Appointment for Your Visa Interview

Your local embassy or consulate will have specific instructions for scheduling an appointment.

Step 3: Prepare Documents for Your Visa Interview

More information about F-1 visas preparing is available here. Bring them to your visa interview:

Passport (valid for at least six months beyond the date of your arrival to the U.S.)

Signed Form I-20, or Form DS-2019 Form DS-160 Visa Application Confirmation page,

printed out after completing Form DS-160 nonimmigrant visa application online. Visa application fee payment receipt I-901 SEVIS fee payment confirmation page

Photograph: Upload digital photograph or bring one, 2 x 2 inches photograph.

Evidence of financial resources such as bank statements, scholarship award letter etc.

Transcripts and diplomas from high school or previous institutions attended.

Proof of English Proficiency (such as TOEFL or IELTS) and other standardized test such as GRE or GMAT for graduate students etc.

Eastern Kentucky University Admission Letter.

Birth and/or marriage certificate if bringing a spouse or child in F-2/J-2 status.

Successful visa interviews require preparation. Please check your local U.S. Embassy website for information on which documents to prepare and bring with you to the interview. If your dependents (spouse and children) will come with you to the U.S. you must provide proof of your relationship (e.g. birth certificate, marriage certificate).

Step 4: Learn Tips for Visa Interview

The following tips are provided to help you prepare for your visa interview:

Keep your answers concise: Be honest in everything you write on your visa application and say during the interview. Anticipate that the interview will be conducted in English. Do not bring other people to speak on your behalf.

Nonimmigrant Intent/Evidence that you will return to your home country: As a nonimmigrant or temporary visitor you may be asked about your intention to return to your home country after completing your studies. You should be ready to show that you have compelling ties to your home country that you don't intend to abandon. Example of compelling ties are family, property ownership, financial ties and job offer.

Your financial ability: You should be ready to show that you have sufficient funds to pay for your education and living expenses throughout your program.

If you have been offered scholarship from Eastern Kentucky University, you should present your scholarship

4

award letter as well.

Your educational plans and interest in U.S. education. You should be able to explain the following:

What you plan to study (that is degree program or major)

Why you chose to study at Eastern Kentucky University

Your reason for studying in the United States and not in your home country.

How you will use the knowledge you have learned when you return to your home country.

STUDENTS FROM VISA EXEMPT COUNTRIES

A visa is generally not required for Canadian and Bermudian citizens, coming as F-1 or J-1 students and therefore, do not need to apply for visas at a U.S. embassy or consulate. However, an I-20/DS-2019, a valid passport and proof of payment of the I-901 SEVIS fee is required for every Canadian and Bermudian citizen arriving in the United States.

DEPENDENTS

Your spouse and any children under age 21 are eligible to accompany you to the United States with a dependent visa (F-2 or J-2). If your dependent plans to join you at EKU, he or she will need a Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 to apply for an F-2 or J-2 visa. To request a Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 for a dependent, please complete Dependent Request Form available from here. Dependents are not required to pay the SEVIS fee. Please note dependents in F-2 status are not permitted to engage in employment in the United States.

VISA DELAY, DENIAL AND POSTPONEMENT OF STUDY

If you will not enroll at EKU during the semester stated on your current Form I-20 or DS-2019 (either because of visa delay, visa denial, postponement of studies, or withdrawal of admission), please notify OISSS by email at international@eku.edu and do one or more of the following: Destroy the current Form I-20 or DS-2019 issued

you by Eastern Kentucky University.

Inform us that you would like to postpone your studies to a future semester (Please specify the new semester) and request a new I-20 or DS-2019 for the future semester through eShipGlobal. A new Form I-20 or DS-2019 for the new semester will be sent to you as soon as your eShipGlobal request is received.

Notify us that you will not attend EKU and wish to withdraw your admission

ACTIVATE YOUR EKUDIRECT & EKU EMAIL

Eastern Kentucky University provides all student information in an online portal called EKUDirect. EKUDirect provides students access to email, student account (view or pay your tuition and other fees) and so forth.

ACTIVATE YOUR EKUDIRECT ACCOUNT

Please go to our main page eku.edu and click a tab "Login to EKU" on the right side of page. Then choose "EKUDirect". Please use your EKU ID # (found in your acceptance letter) as your USER ID. It should begin with 901.

Your initial PIN is your birth date in the form of mmddyy. For example, a birth date of February 3, 1949 would be entered as 020349. Your PIN is a 6digit number, which will function like a password. For login assistance please go to it.eku.edu.

You may e-mail a request to have your PIN reset through your EKU e-mail account to registration@eku.edu or come in person to either the Registrar's Office on the main campus in Richmond, Kentucky (Whitlock 239) or the Resource Center/(Desk Information at any of the EKU extended campuses.

5

If you come in person, you will need to bring a photo ID. Telephone requests to reset your PIN cannot be accepted. This may take up to two business days. Once logged in, you will be prompted to select security questions as well as change your PIN.

Students who do not meet the above criteria can still apply for on-campus housing. Housing will be assigned to you based on availability.

EKU EMAIL SET-UP

After completing the above action, click on "Active EKU Student Email Account" under "Personal Information." This will include step by step instructions. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to our office.

All EKU students receive an email account that must be activated in order to send and receive messages. Your EKU e-mail account is the official means for the university to communicate with you. All announcements from the University, your professors, and so forth are sent to this email address, including tuition bills and other important information from the administrative offices and from the Office of International Student and Scholars Services.

You can set up EKU e-mail to be forwarded to another e-mail account if you choose but you must ensure the OISSS has a valid e-mail address on record at all times.

HOUSING ARRANGEMENT

CAMPUS HOUSING

All single, full-time, undergraduate international students under the age of 21 who have not attended college before and/or have completed fewer than 60 credit hours are required to live in university oncampus housing facilities. Please apply for campus housing as soon as you receive your admission letter from EKU. To apply for housing, please see housing for the necessary forms.

You will need to work with housing to make a prepayment of $200. Any further question regarding campus housing, please contact housing@eku.edu.

Global Village: We encourage you to select the Global Village as your housing option. The Global Village is a living-learning community consisting of both international and domestic students interested in global experience, developing meaningful connections with each other, exploring other cultures and service learning opportunities. For more information go to the Global Village website.

RENTING APARTMENT OFF-CAMPUS

EKU does not provide or help you find an off-campus housing option. It is your responsibility to find housing. Apartments are not always readily available, so it may be necessary for you to arrive in Richmond earlier than usual in order to find a suitable apartment on your own. Once you arrive in Richmond, it may take two weeks or longer apartment. If you choose to rent your own apartment or room, be prepared to pay a security deposit (usually the equivalent of one month's rent) in addition to the first month's rent.

Many landlords require a 12-month rental agreement. Rent may vary from $400 to $700 per month.

We have compiled below a list of a few apartments and rental companies in Richmond, Kentucky for your convenience.

RAMSEY RENTALS Price range: 400$ - Up Distance: Within 10 minutes walking distance to EKU. Phone: 859-623-9304 Website:

6

FOXGLOVE MANAGEMENT Price range: 400$ - Up Distance: Some apartment complexes are close to campus, others are far from campus and require a car. Phone: 859-624-3545 Website:

NORTHRIDGE APARTMENTS Price range: 400$ - Up Distance: They have different apartment complexes, some are within 5-10 minutes' drive by car. Phone: 859-623-1990 Website:

HAGER RENTALS Price range: 400$ - Up Distance: Some units are within 3-7 minutes' drive. Phone: 859-623-8482 Website:

SADDLEBROOK APARTMENTS Price range: 553$ - Up Distance: Some units are 7-15 minutes' drive by car. Phone: 859-623-8860 Website:

HOTELS NEAR EKU CAMPUS

Short-term accommodations may be available at some of the local hotels near EKU campus. These hotels are within 1.1 to 2 miles from Eastern Kentucky University. Please see hotel estimated rental rates and information to make a reservation.

BEST WESTERN Address: 100 Eastern Bypass

Richmond, KY 40475-2302 Phone: 1-859-623-9220 Fax: 1-859-624-1458 Website: Best Western Rate: $95-110 per night

QUALITY INN Address: 2006 Colby Taylor Drive

Richmond, KY 40475 Phone: 1-859-623-0063 Fax: 1-859-623-7430 Website: Quality Inn Rate: $84-130 per night

HAMPTON INN Address: 1099 Barnes Mill Road

Richmond, KY 40475 Phone: 1-859-626-1002 Fax: 1-859-626-0888 Website: Hampton Inn Rate: $100-120 per night

COMFORT SUITES Address: 2007 Colby Taylor Dr.

Richmond, KY, 40475, US Phone: (859) 624-0770 Fax: (859) 624-3114 Website: Comfort Suites Rate: $95-130 per night

HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS & SUITES Address: 1990 Colby Taylor Drive

Richmond, KY 40475 Phone: 1-888-480-0427 (Reservations) Phone: 1-859-6244055 (hotel) Website: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Rate: $130-137 per night

PLACEMENT TESTING

All first-time undergraduate international students (or freshmen) students who have not taken ACT test or taken but scored below EKU requirement are required to take EKU placement tests before they can enroll for classes. Students take EKU placement tests to:

Show proficiency of basic skills in English, mathematics, or reading (developmental skills levels at the 090 or 095 level). If you have an ACT score less than 18 in English, less than 19 in Mathematics, or less than 20 in reading, you will need to take the developmental proficiency placement test(s).

Demonstrate skills needed for Algebra with Applications (MAT 112) or College Algebra (MAT 114). If you need to take MAT 112 or MAT 114 and your ACT Math score is less than 22, you will need to take the MAT 112/114 placement test.

You will be contacted by Academic Advising and Testing Offices when to take your Placement Testing. Based on the results of your placement testing, you will be placed in appropriate Math and English classes.

7

REGISTER FOR CLASSES

All new students are required to contact their academic advisors to obtain their degree plans and register for classes as soon as they are admitted.

Graduate students and transfer undergraduate should contact their academic advisors as soon they are admitted to EKU to register for classes.

First-time students/freshmen must first complete the Placement Testing before they can contact their academic advisor to register them for classes.

WHAT TO BRING

1. MONEY

Cash: We recommend that you bring $250-$500 in cash for your immediate living expenses in Richmond, KY. The amount depends on your travel plans. Please do not carry large sums of cash to avoid the risk of loss or theft when you travel!

Credit or Debit Card: If you are planning to use a credit or debit card from your bank in your home country, check that you will be able to use the card in the USA and know the fees that will be charged to your account. Visa, MasterCard, and American Express are widely accepted in the USA.

2. ITEMS REPRESENTING YOUR COUNTRY AND CULTURE

You may wish to bring pictures, music, arts, crafts, national dress, maps, traditional dress and other items that represent your country with you. You can use these items to introduce Americans to life and culture in your country. All of these can be useful when the International Student Association hosts its annual "International Banquet" when most international students wear traditional clothes from their home countries and play international music.

ENTERING THE UNITED STATES

PREPARE FOR ARRIVAL

International students and their dependents are allowed to enter the United States up to 30 days before the program start date listed on their EKU Forms I-20 or DS-2019.

You should plan your arrival in time for the International Student Orientation and keep in mind that you will need some time to get settled in Richmond. If you cannot arrive before the start date on your I-20 or DS2019, please contact us at international@eku.edu to defer your admission to a future date.

UPON ARRIVAL

Be sure to have the following documents in your carryon luggage and ready to present to the immigration officer at the airport:

Form I-20 or DS-2019 Passport with F-1 or J-1 visa SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt Customs Declaration Form (CF-6059) given to you

by flight attendants during your flight.

8

 ................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download